Taking the Devil out of Development

Tonight in Union Square Park, Reverend Billy held a rally protesting the privatization of the Pavilion.  After a short prayer service, the Rev, the Stop Shopping Choir and about 100 followers marched through the park, across Broadway and right over to Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe.   Carrying small potted trees and rolled up sod, they attempted to walk into the restaurant, but were quickly dissuaded by plaincothes detectives from the 13th Precinct.  The police said they weren't called by the restaurant, but by the Deputy Commissioner's Office.  One of the protesters, Elizabeth Adam, from the 12th St. Block Association, said, "The park should be for the people--not for the developer.  New York shouldn't be the world's largest gated community for the super-rich."  When asked what people could do to stop the park's development, she said, "Stall it long enough until we get a decent mayor."--Sherry Mazzocchi